Fielder Wins AL Comeback Player Award

Receive the latest red-fever updates in your inbox

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Prince Fielder #84 of the Texas Rangers hits a two run home run in the eighth inning for Beltre to score against the Houston Astros at Global Life Park in Arlington on September 14, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

Prince Fielder was awarded AL Comeback Player of the Year honors by the Sporting News last week in what ended up being a mere precursor to the big prize on Thursday afternoon when he was awarded the same honor by the 30 beat writers for MLB.com in an award given by the league itself.

Fielder played in just 42 games in 2014 before needing cervical fusion surgery in his neck, but came back in 2015 and was the Rangers' best hitter throughout the season.

Fielder didn't get back to his power numbers from his prime in Milwaukee, but the hefty veteran who moved to a full-time designated hitter role early in the season, led the team with a .305 batting average, was tied for the team lead with 23 homers and led the Rangers with 98 RBIs.

Fielder was joined by Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, who won the NL award after missing all of 2014 after Tommy John surgery to make 29 starts with a 2.71 ERA in leading the Mets to a surprise run to the NL pennant — their first since 2000.